Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Seneca Woman in Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor Investigation

Kayla Merritt Kelley

(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------A Seneca woman remains in jail today, pending a bond hearing, after her arrest Monday on charges in relation to a Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor investigation.

36 year old Kayla Merritt Kelley, of Myers Lane, was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center at around 1:17pm yesterday.  Arrest warrants were obtained against Kelley on charges of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – 2^nd Degree and Criminal Solicitation of a Minor.

On Monday morning, an Investigator assigned to the Criminal Investigations Bureau was notified of allegations that Kelley had engaged in sex with a teenager on Thursday of last week.  Based upon evidence obtained during the investigation, it was determined that Kelley had sexual intercourse with the minor. 

During the course of the investigation, evidence was also obtained that indicated that Kelley and the minor had also exchanged sexually explicit pictures and video during 2026.  The investigation determined that Kelley had communicated with the minor with the intent to persuade, entice or coerce the minor to engage in sexual activity.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation.  Due to the investigation involving a minor, and in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office will not release any information that could, in any way, identify the minor.